Massaya 'Terrasses de Baalbeck' 2021

Rich, full and seductive. A heady concoction of Mediterranean herbs, liquorice, bramble fruits, plums, and black pepper. On the palate, the wine is dense and juicy with a savoury backdrop, and the tannins are well-integrated into its glossy core. Seductive and elegant, the wine is drinking well now, but certainly has cellaring potential.

Massaya is one of Lebanon’s most dynamic and respected wine producers, with vineyards in both the historic Beqaa Valley and the cooler slopes of Mount Lebanon. Founded in 1996 by brothers Sami and Ramzi Ghosn, the estate quickly drew international attention thanks to a unique partnership with Dominique Hebrard (ex-Château Cheval Blanc) and the Brunier family of Le Vieux Télégraphe in Châteauneuf-du-Pape — names that reflect the serious intent behind this venture.

Lebanon’s wine story is among the oldest in the world, with a winemaking tradition dating back over 5000 years. The Romans themselves honoured the vine here with the temple of Bacchus in Baalbek. French influence, from the Crusades through to the mid-20th century, helped shape the region’s modern wine identity. Massaya is very much a product of this heritage, yet it speaks clearly in a contemporary voice — expressive, Mediterranean wines that combine elegance, spice and a sense of place.

The Ghosn brothers have become standard bearers for the new Lebanon: resilient, open-minded, and deeply rooted in their culture. Their wines are a testament to the country’s extraordinary potential and a joy to discover.